Glenveagh National Park and Gaeltacht Tour

5.0 (24 reviews) 6–8 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

24 reviews

5.0

Errigal Mountain — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Glenveagh Castle — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

In the northwest of Ireland, at the very edge of Europe, lies the Donegal Gaeltacht, a wild and storied land where Irish traditions and the Gaeilge language still thrive. As a local, I’ll take you beyond the guidebooks, sharing the hidden corners of the Wild Atlantic Way where I grew up. You’ll hear personal stories, legendary myths, and a few tall tales along the way. Explore Glenveagh Castle and its dramatic past, stand in awe at the mystical Poisoned Glen, and reflect inside the haunting ruins of Dunlewey Church. Sip Irish whiskey at Crolly Distillery and journey through Donegal’s rugged highlands, where generations have cut turf from the vast Atlantic bog. Gaze out over the sea to the Gaeltacht islands, including Tory Island, where my ancestors came from, and hear the stories that have been passed down through generations. This is my home, let me show it to you as only a local can.

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At a glance

Duration: 6–8 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–7
Guide: English
Operated by: Donegal Tour Guide

What is included

Included

Included: Private transportation
Included: Bottled water
Included: Guiding

Not included

Not included: Glenveagh Castle Self-Guided Tour
Not included: Crolly Distillery Whiskey Tasting

Itinerary

Glenveagh Castle

2 hours

Glenveagh, in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains, is the second largest national park in Ireland and home to the largest herd of red deer in the country. Glenveagh Castle, a 19th century mansion, sits on the edge of Lough Veagh. A self-guided castle tour is highly recommended on your Donegal tour (additional cost, not included).
Mount Errigal

Passing by

Errigal in the Derryveagh Mountains is the tallest peak in County Donegal. Its quartzite stone often glows pink in the setting sun. The small Gaeltacht village of Dunlewey sits at the foot of Errigal Mountain. Take in the view of Donegal's highest peak and its six sisters.
Stop 3

15 min

According to legend, the huge ice-carved hollow of the Poisoned Glen got its name when the ancient, one-eyed giant king of Tory, Balor, was killed here by his exiled grandson, Lughaidh, whereupon the poison from his eye split the rock and poisoned the glen.
Old Church Dunlewey

Passing by

Donegal's answer to the Taj Mahal, Old Dunlewey Church is a ruined 19th-century Church of Ireland building set dramatically in the Poisoned Glen (Gleann Nimhe), near Errigal mountain.
Crolly Distillery, Visitors' Experience

one hour

The Crolly Distillery is a small, award-winning craft distillery located in the heart of the Donegal Gaeltacht, bringing distilling back to the village for the first time in over 180 years. Whiskey tasting is optional. (additional cost, not included)
Stop 6

15 min

Bloody Foreland or “Cnoc Fola” (The Hill of Blood) derives its name from the evening sun which illuminates the rocks along this section of the coast to a rich red hue and ties in with the legend of Balor of the evil eye.
Magheroarty

Passing by

View the Gaeltacht islands of Inishboffin, Inishdooey and Tory Island from Magheroarty Pier
Dunfanaghy

45 min

Dunfanaghy is a scenic little village and former fishing port with a population of around 300. The main street is typical of Irish communities with colourful terraced houses and local businesses

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

An Chuirt Hotel Gweedore
The Abbey Hotel
Mill Park Hotel
Central Hotel Donegal
Harvey's Point
Lough Eske Castle
Clanree Hotel
Bishop's Gate Hotel
Arnolds Hotel
Silver Tassie Hotel & Spa
Shandon Hotel and Spa
City Hotel

and 6 more pickup points

Pick up is available from accommodation in and around Buncrana, Letterkenny and Donegal Town. If pickup is required from a different location, please get in touch for a customised quote.